The Adventures of Mel and Rob: Goodbye 2011...Hello 2012! A year in review!

In three days-- THREE DAYS! it's going to be a brand new year.

A new page.

The start of a brand new chapter!

I am so excited and can't wait to see what 2012 holds for us. I am not sad to see 2011 go. In fact I would drive it to the airport and see it off if I could...

It's had it's downs. But it's also had many ups too! But before I do a "year in review", I want to share what my New Year's resolutions were for the beginning of 2011 and how I did at accomplishing them.

*Reminder*

These resolutions were made at the end of 2010 in hopes that 2011 would be a great year.

1. Live a more simple life. Someone asked me if that meant becoming Amish. My answer to that is NO. :) Although I give them many props for the way they live their lives not focusing on material things and such. But what I mean is that I want to cherish every moment of every day. Even the bad. I want to take time to enjoy the little things that right now I take for granted. And not put so much focus on what everyone else thinks of me. I think for the most part I stuck with this resolution. Some days were harder than others and I probably could have tried a little harder on this one...but hey that's what 2012 is for right?! ;)

2. Accomplish something. Maybe that means getting a job. Going to school. Or making money off of my one true passion, Photography. Maybe it's all of those things. But all I know is I'm not going to be afraid anymore of failing. I'm ready to take those chances. I am so proud to say I have absolutely accomplished this resolution. I did get a job. And I have made a lot of advances in my photography business. My Facebook fan page for my photography business tripled the amount of "likes" it had. And I also ordered business cards which is a huge deal for me! One of my photos even won 3rd place in a contest. On top of all of that I opened up an Etsy.com shop where some of my photos are available for purchase! Yes friends, I've come a long way this year and I am looking forward to coming even further in 2012.

3. Love deeply. To not be afraid of getting hurt. And to not allow the past to control my future. To not let the negative that has happened to me in the past keep me from loving deeply. This is another resolution that I am proud to say I have 100% accomplished. I have completely let go of my past hurts. I have learned to accept them for what they are and haven't looked back. I know I am in a ~~great~~ amazing place now and I am so excited to see what the future holds for Rob and I.

Now for my resolutions for 2012...

1. Get healthier. Mind. Body. Soul.

Now it's time for "a year in review".

In 2011 Rob and I had many opportunities to visit a lot of beautiful, incredible places even though at times we had to scrape together change just to be able to buy gas for the car. We found a way to make it possible!

Muskegon River, Michigan: January